Rent a Car in Nashville for Great Value and Easy Exploring
Compare competitive rates at BNA and downtown locations and use this practical guide to pick the right car, avoid surprise fees, and drive Nashville and Middle Tennessee on your schedule.
What do you need to rent a car in Nashville?
Renting a car in Nashville is quite convenient, but there can be some specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.
- Form of ID: A valid physical United States national photo ID is required.
- Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical U.S. driving license with no major endorsements. In most cases the license must have been held for at least 1 year; some offers may require 2 years or follow specific supplier terms (refer to full rental T&Cs where stated).
Notes: Some offers require the licence to be held for at least 2 years. In several offers, renters who indicated a country of residence outside the United States or Canada must also present a return airline ticket. For certain products, the minimum holding period is not fixed and must be checked in the full Rental Terms & Conditions (driving licence section) or with customer service. For some rentals, non‑U.S. licenses written in Roman alphabet may require a valid passport or other government ID as a second form of identification.
- Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required when credit cards are accepted. Commonly accepted credit card brands include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB, and sometimes UnionPay; some offers may restrict brands. Many offers also accept debit cards (mostly Visa and MasterCard, sometimes Discover, AMEX, Diners Club and JCB) for deposit or payment. Some locations allow deposit cards in addition to credit cards. A few offers require two credit cards. Availability of UnionPay, debit cards and deposit cards varies by offer.
- Age requirements: Most offers allow rentals from approximately 20–21 up to 75–99 years, depending on the product. Common standard ranges include 21–75, 21–80, 21–99, 20–80 and 25–80/99. Some offers require all drivers to be at least 25. Young driver surcharges may apply: e.g., about $25–$27 per day (USD) for drivers 20–24/21–24, or about $31.74–$38.79 per day (EUR, tax included) for drivers 20–25/21–25, depending on location and product. In several offers, additional drivers must be at least 25. Certain vehicle categories (e.g., luxury cars, minivans, 12‑passenger vans, specialty/cool cars, full‑size and premium SUVs) are restricted to renters 25+ and may not be available to younger drivers.
- Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements.
Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is a translation only; original licence must also be shown; photocopies/scans not accepted) or
• Original Driver's License in Latin/Roman alphabet (e.g., English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc.), without IDP, where allowed or
• Original South Korea Driving License (English version) with English translation on the back or
• Original driving licence + official embassy translation in English (embassy‑authorized translation).Notes: In some offers, renters whose residence country is outside the United States or Canada must also present a return airline ticket. For certain products, the minimum driving licence holding period is not fixed and must be checked in the full Rental Terms & Conditions (driving licence section) or with customer service. In some offers, non‑U.S. driver's licenses written in Roman alphabet may require a valid passport or other government‑issued ID as a second form of identification.
- Form of ID: A valid passport is required. In some cases, a return airline ticket may also be required for renters residing outside the United States or Canada.
- Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required wherever credit cards are listed. Commonly accepted brands include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, JCB, and sometimes UnionPay; some offers may restrict brands or not accept UnionPay. Some offers also accept debit cards (mainly Visa and MasterCard, sometimes Discover, AMEX, Diners Club and JCB) and/or deposit cards for the deposit. A few products require two credit cards. Availability of UnionPay, debit cards and deposit cards depends on the specific offer.
- Age requirements: Most offers allow rentals from approximately 20–21 up to 75–99 years, depending on the product. Common standard ranges include 21–75, 21–80, 21–99, 20–80 and 25–80/99. Some offers require all drivers to be at least 25. Young driver surcharges may apply: e.g., about $25–$27 per day (USD) for drivers 20–24/21–24, or about $31.74–$38.79 per day (EUR, tax included) for drivers 20–25/21–25, depending on location and product. In several offers, additional drivers must be at least 25. Certain vehicle categories (e.g., luxury cars, minivans, 12‑passenger vans, specialty/cool cars, full‑size and premium SUVs) are restricted to renters 25+ and may not be available to younger drivers.
Drive Nashville Your Way
Explore Music City and beyond with the perfect set of wheels for your Tennessee adventure.
Summer
Convertible
4
2
AutoNashville summers hit 90°F with high humidity—perfect weather for a convertible. Drop the top and cruise down Lower Broadway, feeling the breeze as you hop between honky-tonks. Manual transmission suits the sporty feel, letting you shift through Nashville's flat downtown streets with ease.
Fall Foliage
SUV
53AutoAutumn in Nashville brings stunning leaf peeping along the Natchez Trace and Highway 46. An SUV handles the rolling hills and gravel driveways at vineyards like Amber Falls with confidence. Higher seating gives you better views of the vibrant orange and red canopy. Weekend trips to Leiper's Fork need that cargo space for wine spoils.
Winter
SUV
53AutoNashville winters see occasional ice storms and light snow—rare but real. An SUV with modern safety systems tackles the I-40 corridors when conditions turn slick. Higher ground clearance handles the occasional snowy rural roads around Murfreesboro. Heated seats make those cold January mornings bearable.
Choose Your Ride
Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.
Why Pick Up at BNA: Biggest Selection and Longest Hours
Airport rentals are ideal if you’re flying into Nashville and want to start driving right away. BNA typically offers the broadest inventory (from compact cars to SUVs), more frequent last-minute availability, and longer operating hours. Keep in mind that airport locations may include additional facility fees and taxes, so compare the total out-the-door price—not just the daily rate.
Chevrolet Cruze
53
4Auto
Toyota Corolla
534AutoToyota Corolla
534Auto
Toyota RAV4
534AutoToyota RAV4
534Auto
Toyota RAV4
534Auto
Toyota Camry
534AutoToyota Camry
534AutoToyota Camry
534AutoNashville Car Rental: Find Top-Rated Providers Near BNA
Read authentic reviews from travelers who rented at Nashville Airport. See real ratings to make the best choice for your trip.
| Rental company | Rating | Avg. Daily Rate | Pickup Method/Distance | Security deposit | Accepts Debit Cards | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | 4.3 9600+ reviews | $100 | 0.7 mi | $481 - $884 |
| |
 | 2.9 17,000+ reviews | $103 | 2.3 mi | $532 - $983 |
| |
| 2.1 3300+ reviews | $92 | In terminal, Walk to counter | Low deposit |
| |
| 1.8 3700+ reviews | $92 | In terminal, Walk to counter | Low deposit |
| |
 Budget Friendly | 1.6 1,600+ reviews | $49 | 7.4 mi | $350 - $2,500 |
| |
| 1.3 95 reviews | $76 | 9.7 mi | $427 - $794 |
| |
| 1.2 5500+ reviews | $112 | 9.7 mi | $300 - $1,055 |
|
*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.
Platform Insights
Car Rental Expert Advice
By QEEQ Platform Expert Team
Expertise Metrics
Platform Recognition
Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024
Booking Volume
Review Quality
10,000+ verified 5-star reviews
Market Experience
Data Authority
Expertise Verification
QEEQ data verified against local official data sources
Key Expert Insights
Platform Analysis
"Nashville International Airport dominates with 58% of rentals, followed by downtown at 22%. Enterprise leads market share at 26%, Hertz at 22%, and Avis at 17%."
Booking Patterns
"SUV bookings surged 22% to 28% of rentals, while economy cars declined 5%. Peak season June-August sees 52% demand surge. Average rental duration is 4.5 days overall."
Customer Pain Points
"44% of Nashville car rental customers report confusion over insurance coverage options, including CDW, PAI, PEC, and SLP complexity."
Data Sources
- QEEQ internal booking databse
- Bureau of Transportation Statistics - Rental Car Operations at US Airports
- Nashville International Airport - Ground Transportation Statistics
- Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp - Tourism Statistics
- Tennessee Tourism Development - Nashville Visitor Statistics
- American Car Rental Association - Market Trends Report
- Statista - Car Rental Industry Statistics
- Tennessee Attorney General - Consumer Auto Rental Complaints Report
- Better Business Bureau - Car Rental Complaint Statistics
- American Car Rental Association - Consumer Complaints Analysis
- J.D. Power - Car Rental Satisfaction Study
Road Trips
One-way rental routes starting from Nashville
Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Nashville
Popular Car Rental Routes & Trips From Nashville
Scenic Drives & Easy Road Routes:
Nashville To Great Smoky Mountains National Park (via Knoxville)
Head east on I-40 toward the most-visited national park in the U.S. for mountain scenery, historic cabins, and classic Smokies overlooks. This route works well for a long day trip or a weekend, with plenty of food and fuel options along the interstate corridor.
Natchez Trace Parkway Day Drive (Nashville To Leiper’s Fork / Franklin)
Cruise a famously relaxing, low-stress scenic road with gentle curves, historic pull-offs, and leafy overlooks. It’s ideal if you want an easy half-day escape from the city with charming small-town food stops and short walks.
Nashville To Chattanooga (Lookout Mountain & Riverfront)
Take I-24 southeast for an easy drive to Chattanooga’s riverfront, museums, and Lookout Mountain viewpoints. This is a smooth, straightforward route that’s popular for couples and families who want a quick change of scenery without a long drive.
Popular Trips (Easy Itineraries From Nashville):
Jack Daniel’s Distillery In Lynchburg
A classic Tennessee outing to tour the famous distillery and browse the small town square. Book tours ahead when possible, and plan for a relaxed drive back via backroads or the interstate.
Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky)
Drive north to one of the world’s longest known cave systems. Choose a ranger-led cave tour, then enjoy short surface trails and picnic areas for a full day that feels far from the city.
Bowling Green, KY (Corvette Museum + Lost River Cave)
A fun, low-effort day trip with the National Corvette Museum and optional nature time at Lost River Cave. Great for families and car enthusiasts, with easy interstate driving.
Cumberland Caverns & The Cumberland Plateau (McMinnville area)
Explore dramatic underground formations and enjoy plateau scenery on the same day. It’s a solid option when you want nature without the longer drive to the Smokies.
Practical Car Rental Planning Tips For Nashville
Compare airport vs. city pickup: Nashville International Airport (BNA) often has the biggest selection, but off-airport locations can be cheaper. Price both options and include taxes/fees before deciding.
Understand insurance before you arrive: Check what your personal auto policy or credit card covers for rentals. If coverage is limited (or you want less hassle), consider the rental company’s LDW/CDW for peace of mind.
Plan fuel stops and avoid prepaid gas unless you’ll return empty: Gas stations are plentiful along I-40, I-65, and I-24. A simple rule: pick a 'fill-up zone' near your return location and refuel within the last 10–15 miles to avoid higher prices.
Watch for rush-hour congestion and event traffic: Downtown Nashville traffic spikes during commute times and when concerts or major sports events let out. Add buffer time for returns, especially if you’re catching a flight.
Budget for parking in Nashville and popular districts: Paid lots/garages are common downtown, in The Gulch, and near Broadway. If your hotel charges for parking, compare that cost against rideshares for one or two nights.
Use offline maps for parkways and mountain areas: Cell service can be spotty on the Natchez Trace Parkway and in parts of the Smokies. Download offline maps and keep your charger (or a power bank) handy.
Choose the right vehicle for your route: For city and interstate driving, a compact or midsize is usually ideal. If you plan mountain roads or want extra cargo space, consider an SUV—especially for Smokies trips.
Drive Through Nashville: Everything You Need to Know
From iconic honky-tonks on Broadway to scenic Blue Ridge Parkway views, discover essential driving and car rental insights for exploring Nashville, Tennessee.
LANGUAGES
English
CURRENCY
USD
DRIVE ON
Right-hand side
COUNTRY CODE
+1
AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE
$57 per day
AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH
5 days
SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN
30-50 km/h
SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN
105-113 km/h
ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC
0.08% (0.00-0.02% for drivers under 21)
AVERAGE GAS PRICE
$1.03/L
LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE
$0.98/L - $1.09/L
Nashville Car Rental Guide
Essential driving tips and rental answers for exploring Nashville and beyond
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